BEST PRACTICES TO ENSURE SAFETY WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT

Working at heights is an activity carried out at a height greater than 2 metres above a stable surface. It represents a working context with a high risk of accidents, including falls, impacts and injuries.

In this article we will analyze the regulations to be respected when carrying out these activities and we will recommend some products available on the website www.gsafety.eu .

The main Italian legislation that regulates safety at work, including work at heights, is Legislative Decree 81/2008 (Consolidated Law on Health and Safety at Work). In addition to this legislative decree, other specific regulations include:

• UNI EN 363:2008: Personal protective systems against falls.
• UNI EN 795:2012: Anchoring devices.
• UNI EN 361:2002: Full body harnesses.
• UNI EN 358:2019: Work positioning belts.

According to current legislation, companies are required to adopt the following measures:

1. Planning and Risk Assessment

Preventive planning is essential. A correct analysis of the work site, potential hazards and available equipment allows us to identify the most suitable solutions to ensure operator safety. An accurate risk assessment includes:

• Identifying unstable or fragile surfaces.
• Assessment of weather conditions that could affect safety.
• Definition of emergency procedures in the event of an accident.

2. Installation and Maintenance of Collective Protection Systems

Collective protection systems, such as guardrails or fall protection nets, must be installed by qualified personnel and inspected regularly to verify their integrity and efficiency.

3. Correct Use of PPE

Operators must be trained not only on the correct use of PPE, but also on its maintenance and storage. It is necessary:

• Inspect PPE regularly for damage or signs of wear.
• Make sure the anchor points are solid and positioned correctly.
• Always use harnesses and safety lanyards that comply with regulations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Working at Heights

The most commonly used PPE for working at heights include:

• Safety Harnesses , such as the Irudek Light Plus 2 harness, available at www.gsafety.eu is a lightweight, ergonomic device for safety when working at height. It provides protection against falls, which is essential for preventing serious injuries.
• Lanyards with energy absorber , which allow to reduce the force of the impact in the event of a fall, an excellent example is the ABE 361 lanyard by Irudek , also present in the wide range of fall arrest devices of www.gsafety.eu .
• Retractable Fall Arrest Devices , provide the user with the meters of webbing needed for the job, always remaining taut and avoiding any possible fall, equipped with a quick and safe braking mechanism. You could try the retractable fall arrester SEKURBLOK 20-SE by Irudek available on www.gsafety.eu .
• Protective Helmets , essential for protecting the head from impacts or falling objects.

4. Continuous training

In addition to initial training, it is crucial to provide periodic updates on new techniques and equipment. Training should cover:

• How to use equipment safely.
• Emergency procedures in case of a fall or accident.
• Recognizing and managing risks.

The choice of PPE, combined with proper planning, installation of collective protection systems and continuous training, is the heart of the safety strategy. The website www.gsafety.eu offers a range of certified products that meet the highest standards, ensuring reliability and protection.